McClellan-Palomar Airport

KCRQ / CLD

Carlsbad, US

Last Updated
Apr 21, 12:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 27 min ago
12:53Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
13°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 11°C
3 kt
80°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1016 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KCRQ 211253Z AUTO 08003KT 10SM CLR 13/11 A3001 RMK AO2 SLP160 T01330111

Weather Briefing

VFR

McClellan-Palomar Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east (80°) at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 13°C (55°F) with a dewpoint of 11°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain. Temporary VFR conditions are forecast between 12:00Z and 16:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Light Showers Rain between 01:00Z and 05:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1016 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1005 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (331 ft)
Pressure Alt
249 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 88 ft
ISA Deviation: -1.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KCRQ 211124Z 2112/2212 VRB03KT P6SM BKN018 TEMPO 2112/2116 SCT018 FM211600 VRB04KT P6SM SCT020 FM211900 23009KT P6SM SCT025 SCT050 FM220000 25010G18KT P6SM VCSH SCT020 BKN035 TEMPO 2201/2205 -SHRA BKN018 FM220500 28005KT P6SM SCT025 BKN035
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
13:20Z BASE
+0h
MVFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 1,800 ft
16:00Z FM211600
+3h
VFR VRB 4 kt
Visibility: >6SM
19:00Z FM211900
+6h
VFR 230° 9 kt
Visibility: >6SM
00:00Z FM220000
+11h
VFR 250° 10 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 3,500 ft

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
CRQ
06 ✈️
24

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 06/24
Active: 06
4,897 ft 150 ft ASP 79°
2.8 kt 1.0 kt
20° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KCRQ

6,448 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
71%
MVFR
15.3%
IFR
7.3%
LIFR
6.4%

McClellan-Palomar Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 71% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 13.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 5.2 knots. Calm conditions occur 38.4% of the time. Temperatures typically range between 6°C and 31°C with an average of 16.4°C. The best months for VFR flying are February, April, March.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 5.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 24 kt
Calm Winds: 38.4%
Direction Distribution:
N
2%
NE
4.9%
E
11.2%
SE
7.8%
S
6.7%
SW
8%
W
19.1%
NW
2%

Temperature Range

Average: 16.4°C
Range: 6°C to 31°C
6°C 31°C

Visibility

Average: 9.2 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.4%
Fog Frequency: 4.8%

Best Months for VFR

February April March

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 06/24
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.6 kt

Statistics computed from 6,448 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

McClellan-Palomar Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KCRQ
IATA Code: CLD
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 331 ft MSL

Location

City: Carlsbad
Country: US
Latitude: 33.128300°
Longitude: -117.279999°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 06/24
Length: 4,897 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About McClellan-Palomar Airport

Overview

McClellan-Palomar Airport serves the coastal region of Carlsbad, California, located at 33.128300, -117.279999 with an elevation of 331 feet MSL. As a medium airport, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for the San Diego metropolitan area, supporting various general aviation and local transportation needs.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly VFR conditions 67.2% of the time, with moderate visibility averaging 8.9 statute miles. Seasonal variations show best VFR conditions in December, January, and October, while wind patterns are consistently westerly at 270 degrees with an average speed of 5.1 knots and occasional peaks up to 21 knots. Temperature ranges from 6°C to 27°C, with an average of 16.4°C.

Notable Features

Runway 06/24 is the primary operational surface, measuring 4,897 feet with an asphalt surface. The airport demonstrates favorable wind alignment, with 100% runway compatibility and minimal average crosswind of 2.7 knots. Calm wind conditions occur 39.6% of the time, providing consistent and predictable flying environments.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect generally stable approach conditions with westerly winds. The runway demonstrates excellent wind alignment, minimizing crosswind challenges during landings and takeoffs. Low IFR conditions occur in 8.5% of observations, with occasional fog reported in 7.1% of meteorological records, suggesting potential instrument approach considerations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.